Turkey Travel Guide - Travel to Turkey

Turkey considered as the gateway between Europe and Asia is an Eurasian country located on the Mediterranean stretching across the Anatolian peninsula in southwest Asia and the Balkan region of southeastern Europe. It is bordered by the Black Sea, the Marmara Sea, the Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea.

It is a fascinating country where many important civilizations have flourished since 9,000 BC. The city was home from the ancient Hittites, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines to the Ottomans which have left behind them superb architectural, archaeological and historical heritage.

Modern Turkey is a secular and democratic Moslem country, founded in 1920 by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and from that time, has been suffering big changes and one of the most notable is its rapidly economic development. Despite of its traditional and Islam roots, it is decidedly western oriented country and today is considered as a candidate to be part of the European Union, which will permit to the country grow up more.

Istanbul and Ankara are the most important cities, the first is a city of mosques, palaces and fabulous treasures, sultans and mysterious harems; and Ankara the capital of the country.

Turkish people are very friendly and hospitable, welcoming people of many races and religions, certainly in this country coexist harmoniously the Islam and Christianism. Visitor can find dozens of things to do and see then they never would be disappointed. Historical ancient cities such as Troy, Ephesus, Tarsus, Konya, and many other more are very interesting places to visit.

Turkey boasts peaceful harbours, quiet gardens, golden sandy beaches and lively nightclubs and hectic bars, is also the perfect place for leisure and sports. Also has an enviable Mediterranean climate, not for nothing it is said that you can find the four seasons simultaneously.

Turkey Cuisine

Turkish cuisine has Mediterranean, Caucasian, and Arabic influences but gradually it is assimilating many other different tastes including Asian, European, which are allowing to make of the traditional cuisine a few more varied.

The diet in turkey consist basically of few simple staples (rice, vegetables, grilled or roasted meat and fish, seafood and salads), flavoured with a handful of herbs (garlic, oregano, cumin, dill and sage), and plenty of thick Turkish yoghurt. Two ingredients in particular dominate Turkish meals; aubergine (patlican) and lamb (kuzu).

Drinks

Despite, Turkey has predominantly a Muslim population, the fact of being a secular republic allows to the country arrange alcoholic drinks. Raki is the most popular Turkish spirit and Turkey's national drink. Another of the most consumed drinks is the beer, being Efes Pilsen the most popular and cheapest, but in addition there are other labels available.